DIPLOMACY

VOLUME XXXV NO. 2

From the Chairman

Exclusive Interview

ROK-U.S. Relations

ROK-Japan Relations

Domestic Policy

Camera DIPLOMACY

Cover Story

The Past Year Was a "Period of Adjustment," The 2nd Year Will Be a "Transitional Period"

President Lee marked his first anniversary in office with a scorecard far less satisfactory than expected by any measure. The economy faces its worst crisis since the 1997-98 Asian meltdown and fears are growing that tension with North Korea may spiral out of control. At the same time, his controversial economic and social reforms are triggering sharp divisions in politics and the public.
Reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula is also at a critical crossroads after a turbulent year marked by Seoul's aloofness and Pyongyang's blockades. Critics denounce...

"Green Technologies Will Not Only Help Us Overcome the Ongoing Economic Crisis, But Enhance The Country's Long-Term Growth Potential"

South Korea has become one of the most advanced countries in the world in terms of efforts to develop green technologies and to fight climate change," said President Lee Myung-bak. At the First Meeting of the Presidential Committee on Green Growth (PCGG), presided over by the President at Cheong Wa Dae, on Feb. 16, 2009, Lee said, "I am confident that green technologies will not only help us overcome the ongoing economic crisis, but enhance the country's long-term growth potential."
The President called for more efforts to raise public awareness and dr...

We Hope Pres. Lee Further Efforts To Brace for His Opponents and Promote Social Integration and National Harmony

President Lee Myung-bak marked the first anniversary of his inauguration on Feb. 25, 2009. He must have learned much by trial and error since he took office. He has not brought easy change to Korean society, as he intended to do. He garnered a landslide victory in the December 2007 election on the ticket of the conservative Grand National Party, putting an end to 10 years of rule by liberal Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun.
Early on, Lee enjoyed lavish public support due to high expectations that he would resuscitate the faltering economy. Vote...